Predator cat shot at Abary farm

A large cat, which was killing livestock on a farm at Herstelling, Abary Creek, was shot and killed by a licenced firearm holder, who was hired by the farmer.

Arnold Bacchus, 43 of Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice, who operates the Herstelling farm, told Stabroek News that he lost 15 goats over a two-month period and had hired licenced firearm holder Akant Persaud Sookdeo to protect his farm.

Arnold Bacchus (centre) holding the ‘big cat’ that licensed firearm holder Akant Persaud Sookdeo (right) killed on his farm

The ‘large cat’ had killed a goat and was returning to eat it when the man who was on the lookout for it while hiding in a tree, shot it.

Bacchus said that although the cat was killed, his workers were still apprehensive about being at the farm. He said he recently acquired 300 acres of land along with a partner, Yakub, said his excavator is preparing a portion for large-scale cattle rearing.

He said for over one month the owner of the firearm had been tracking the animals and he had to incur a lot of expense in the process. He pointed out that the extra cost could have been avoided if he was the holder of a firearm licence. Bacchus lamented that with such a major investment he hopes that the authorities can see it fit to grant him his licence so that his safety and that of his workers would be secured.